> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enercalc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enercalc.com/e3d-training-manual/building-the-model/working-with-loads/self-weight.md).

# Self Weight

How to include element self weights in a model and exclude them where needed.

Self Weight is a command that instructs the program to consider the self weights of entities in the model.

The command can be applied by clicking **Create > Draw Loads > Self Weights**, which opens the *Self Weights* dialog.

![](https://3750289988-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRZtG5Ynp58kYzLHYbR7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2a3833618db00da516800e0a8ca8ebcca816be1c%2FSelf-weight%20dialog.jpg?alt=media)

The assignment starts by selecting the load case with which the self weight load is to be associated. Select the global direction and then specify a multiplier.

The most common use is Dead Load, Global Y, factor of -1.

Self Weight applies to all elements in the model that have their Self Weight control set to "Include":

To view the Self Weight control for members, open the Members table by clicking **Tables > Members**:

![](https://3750289988-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRZtG5Ynp58kYzLHYbR7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e0a9c18eb89ec5ea510f5a0afb34d975163bcd76%2FSelf%20weight%20control%20for%20Members.jpg?alt=media)

To view the Self Weight control for shells, open the Members table by clicking **Tables > Shells:**

![](https://3750289988-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRZtG5Ynp58kYzLHYbR7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-3dc7e0e01ba9565c9040afda7b61fb7a966596c1%2FSelf%20weight%20control%20for%20Shells.jpg?alt=media)

There is an analogous column in the Bricks table, as well.

To remove a Self Weight assignment globally, one option is to use a factor of zero in the multiplier field in **Create > Draw Loads > Self Weights**. Another option is to use the **Create > Draw Loads > Self Weight Exclusion** command.

![](https://3750289988-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRZtG5Ynp58kYzLHYbR7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8cef048103c819d93ba38374833af457f7e3a081%2FSelf%20weight%20exclusion.jpg?alt=media)

This method allows the self weight to be excluded for all or for a selected set of members, shells, and or bricks.


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